SA’s Heilie Uys Enters the World Transplant Games Hall of Fame

Photo Credit: Canva / Ride For Hope

After a kidney transplant and years of sporting excellence, Heilie Uys gets inducted into the World Transplant Games Hall of Fame.

South Africa (05 August 2025) – South Africa’s Heilie Uys is a true legend whose journey goes far beyond medals and records. Recently inducted as one of 22 outstanding athletes into the World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) Hall of Fame, Heilie’s story is one of resilience and incredible pride for South Africa.

Heilie’s path to sporting greatness is deeply personal. On 13 March 2004, after battling the autoimmune disease Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), which led to kidney failure, she underwent a life-changing kidney transplant. As a trained nephrology nurse, she had already endured over three years of home automated peritoneal dialysis, but the transplant opened a whole new chapter.

Before her transplant, Heilie kept active through golf, even while juggling her nursing career. Afterwards, she expanded her sporting horizons, diving into the athletics field events alongside golf, tennis, squash, and even karate. Not sticking to just one? A clear indication that sport has always been her passion, and the transplant simply fuelled her enthusiasm.

Since 2005, Heilie has proudly represented South Africa at no fewer than 10 World Transplant Games, as well as 10 Summer Games overall. Her trophy cabinet is nothing short of extraordinary: 29 gold medals, 9 silver, 1 bronze, and an impressive seven world records.

Reflecting on the World Transplant Games, Heilie considers them as family.

“Being part of this family is humbling. It reminds me every day that my donor made this possible with the unselfish Gift of Life.” She’s especially excited about the upcoming WTG 2025 in Dresden, Germany, which will mark her 10th World Transplant Games. “Dresden’s story of being damaged in World War II and then restored mirrors my own journey,” she reflects. “I was damaged by kidney failure, and the transplant restored me.”

The WTGF Hall of Fame induction is a prestigious honour, recognising just 22 remarkable athletes worldwide who have made a significant impact through their transplant journeys and competition in both summer and winter games. For Heilie, it’s the ultimate acknowledgement of perseverance.